Drawing attention to reactions over his speech at the recent chief ministers’ conference in New Delhi, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio Friday reiterated that his statements on security were based on intelligence inputs which were available to the State government and also to central agencies.
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio had told chief ministers’ conference on internal security in New Delhi that there was strong possibility of Islamic extremists establishing “sleeper cells” in the state with the help of active members of NSCN (I-M).
Following the stinging rebuttal by the NSCN(I-M) Thursday, Rio on Friday lauded the outfit for issuing its clarification which denied any involvement with Islamic militants and added that the clarification would remove apprehensions of the government of India.
A communiqué issued by the chief minister’s secretariat, said the chief minister was duty bound to present all inputs and reports of the internal security, and that Rio made the statements without any political motive nor malice and that there was no such intention of having made the statement for the sake of holding on to his chair.
The communiqué also disclosed that while in New Delhi on August 18 the chief minister along with a delegation of cabinet ministers had met the Prime Minister and reiterated the commitment of the state government towards the peace process by playing the role of an active facilitator.
Further, the communiqué also pointed out that the chief minister, on behalf of the state cabinet, had submitted a written commitment to the Prime on the DAN government ready to pave way for an “alternative logical conclusion” by reaching an “honourable settlement” that was acceptable to the Naga people.
Further, reiterating that neither the chief minister nor the DAN government was in favour of or against any group or organisation, the communiqué issued by the chief minister’s secretariat said rather the state government has been “tirelessly” working as active facilitator in order to bring about “permanent solution” and lasting peace.
The copy of written communication dated August 14, which was submitted to both the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, further apprised about state government’s initiative to bring Naga people under a common platform.
It pointed out that Naga people have been crying out for permanent peace and permanent settlement of the Naga political issue.
Further, the letter expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister to help the Nagas realize these dreams and aspirations.